Huntington Beach Closed Due to Great White Shark Sighting

A great white shark exhibiting aggressive behavior prompted the closure of a two-mile section of Huntington Beach on Tuesday. The closure, announced by the Huntington Beach Fire Department, extends from Seapoint to the Huntington Beach Pier.

The shark, estimated to be between 10 to 12 feet long, was reported circling near Tower 16, which led to immediate safety protocols being enacted. The beach remained closed until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, with marine safety personnel placing warning signs and advising beachgoers to adhere to safety instructions.

This summer has seen an increase in juvenile great white shark sightings in Southern California, potentially linked to a marine heat wave associated with El Niño. Despite the heightened presence of sharks, experts indicate that encounters remain rare, and there have been no significant increases in shark bites.